Sharks minor league affiliate shuts down

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Bulls, an affiliate of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, folded operations Monday after failing to complete a change in ownership that they hoped would sustain the ECHL organization established in October 2012.

The Bulls finished their partial season 15-20-5 with 32 games remaining. They made the playoffs in their inaugural season.

CEO Angela Batinovich announced last week that the ECHL commissioner and Board of Governors granted the team’s request during its midseason meeting for additional time to complete negotiations for a new ownership group — which ultimately didn’t happen.

The team said it would provide refunds for tickets via email requests through Feb. 28.

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said the five players who had NHL or AHL contracts on the Bulls will be reassigned to new teams in the near future. Goalie J.P. Anderson and forward Sebastian Stalberg have NHL contracts, while defensemen Kyle Bigos and Steven Tarasuk and forward Riley Brace have AHL deals.